A Chinese-owned mining company, Bainard Mining Company Limited, has been accused of establishing and constructing a copper processing plant within the Musenga Farming Block in Chingola, Zambia, without official authorization from the authorities.
The company is accused of disregarding regulatory procedures and moving forward with construction and site activities without obtaining the necessary environmental and other licenses.
When contacted by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Musenga new Ward Councillor Gift Chanda confirmed that while the company has not commenced mining operations, it has already begun receiving and storing materials on site despite the firm not having official documentation.
“When I visited, one of the representatives implied that they had backing from former council officials, suggesting that previous relationships may have influenced their confidence in proceeding without proper authorization.”
He noted that, during his visit, company representatives claimed they had initiated the clearance process with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), but had not yet received formal approval.
Despite this, Chanda observed that site preparations were well underway. “They have moved on site without ZEMA’s clearance or other necessary authorizations, which raises serious concerns,” he said.
He also expressed unease regarding the company’s apparent confidence, suggesting that Bainard Mining may be relying on support from former municipal officials.
The Councillor highlighted the community’s concern about the impact of establishing mining operations in a designated agricultural area, particularly due to the proximity of the privately owned Apollo Farm.
“There is uncertainty about the types of chemicals that will be used and the potential for land pollution. The community’s concerns are valid,” Chanda remarked.
In response to these issues, Chanda said he plans to engage both the new mayor and the area’s Member of Parliament to verify the company’s documentation and, if necessary, halt all unauthorized activities.
“If Bainard Mining does not have the required documentation, then what they are doing is a clear illegality. Mining operations must follow the correct process and comply with all requirements,” he emphasized.
He added that during his recent site inspections after concerns from the community members it revealed ongoing construction of plant infrastructure and the installation of equipment such as crushers, indicating significant progress despite the absence of official permits.
Councillor Chanda concluded, “They have started construction before being given the official go-ahead, validating the concerns raised by the local community who had earlier reached out to ZBT.”
The establishment of mining operations in an area zoned for agriculture has raised environmental concerns.
Residents fear potential pollution. The lack of clarity regarding the chemicals and methods to be used at the plant has further heightened community apprehension.
He described the company’s actions as a “pure illegality,” stressing the need for strict adherence to Zambia’s mining regulations, especially in agriculturally sensitive areas.
Meanwhile, when contacted by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT to confirm the allegations, an official from the mine, only identified as mine caretaker, could not comment on the matter. More details to this story to follow as more efforts to get official position from the company were still underway by press time.
Article by Tyndale Muchiya
